In a recent government meeting, Rachel Lazar from Americans United for Separation of Church and State criticized Oklahoma's new educational policy requiring teachers to incorporate the Bible into their curriculum. Lazar argued that the initiative, announced by Superintendent Ryan Walters, promotes a Christian nationalist narrative that America is fundamentally a Christian nation, rather than focusing on education. She emphasized that while teaching about religion in a comparative context is permissible, the policy crosses the line into indoctrination, which she deemed unconstitutional.

Walters defended the policy, asserting that the Bible is not banned in schools and that its historical significance warrants its inclusion in education. He claimed that the initiative is rooted in historical citations and expressed confidence in the legal backing from recent Supreme Court appointments made by former President Trump. Walters dismissed concerns about the separation of church and state, stating that such concepts are not explicitly mentioned in foundational American documents.

The discussion raised questions about the practical implications of the policy, including how teachers would be trained to teach biblical content and the consequences for those who refuse to comply. Walters indicated that teachers would be expected to adhere strictly to the new guidelines, suggesting that non-compliance could lead to job loss.

This meeting highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public education and the potential legal challenges that may arise as states navigate the boundaries of church and state in the classroom.